Global Handwashing Day at AMU
Aligarh: The ‘Global Handwashing Day’, an advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases was observed at the Rural and Urban Health Training Centres of the Department of Community Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University.
“Hand hygiene cannot be viewed as a temporary provision to only manage the Covid pandemic. Rather, long-term investment in water, sanitation and hygiene can help prevent the next health crisis from coming. It also means fewer people falling ill with respiratory infections, fewer children dying from diarrheal diseases, and more pregnant mothers and newborns protected from preventable conditions like sepsis”, said Prof Anees Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Community Medicine.
At the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Jawan: Dr Uzma Eram (In-charge RHTC) stressed that handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of various illnesses, ranging from the common cold to severe infections.
Dr Ambika also spoke on the health benefits of handwashing.
Dr Shahnawaz demonstrated effective ways to wash hands and Dr Mohammad Mubarak made people aware about the usual mistakes people make while washing hands.
Dr Shahnawaz also extended the vote of thanks.
Dr Sameena, Dr Zafar, Dr Iram and Dr Simon with interns and social workers conducted awareness activities with the display of posters and face-to-face interactions with people attending the programme.
The programme was also observed at the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Qila Road on the theme, ‘Our future is at Hand-Lets Move Forward Together’ with an awareness speech by Dr Subohi Afzal (CMO, UHTC).
She emphasised: Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others—whether you are at home, at work, travelling, or out in the community.
Dr Shaista Parveen and Dr S Danish Iqbal delivered a health talk on the need of handwashing. They also demonstrated effective ways to sanitise and wash hands with Dr Hira Alam, interns and undergraduate students.
Dr Shivangi Kumari conducted other awareness activities.